How to Microwave Eggplant
Prep Time
2 minsCook Time
5-6 minsFree Time
to walk a few more steps
We’ve discovered the secret to cooking the perfect eggplant: just pop it in the microwave! Not only does it speed up the cooking process, but also brings out the best flavors without the bitterness. Anyday’s silicone-lined lid locks in the right amount of moisture, giving you a perfectly steamed eggplant that's ready to serve in style, straight right from the dish.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Shallow Dish
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant (8oz/225g)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Preparation
- Using a fork, pierce the skin of the eggplant and rub with olive oil.
- Place the eggplant in the Anyday and cover it with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the eggplant looks slightly shriveled and soft to the touch. Add 1-2 minutes of cooking time if necessary.
- Carefully transfer eggplant to a plate and slice down the center. Be careful of the steam! Scoop out the eggplant flesh and use as desired.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Season the cooked eggplant with salt, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
- Blend the cooked eggplant with tahini, salt, and lemon juice for a quick baba ganoush dip.
- Chop the cooked eggplant and mix with a can of roasted bell peppers (strained) to make a quick bruschetta topping.
Recipe notes
- Japanese and regular eggplants are very different in size, so you may need to cut the cooking time in half
- Move the eggplant slightly to one side if the knob gets in the way.
- Diced or sliced eggplant takes the same amount to cook based on volume or weight.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Eggplant
See for yourself— microwaving eggplant is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 4-5 mins |
| Grill | 20 mins |
| Stovetop | 15-20 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15-20 mins |
All you need to know about microwaving eggplant
How long do eggplants take to cook in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1 medium eggplant (8oz/225g) | 5-6 mins |
| 2 medium eggplants (16oz/450g) | 6-7 mins |
| 3 small eggplants (18oz/ 510g) | 7-8 mins |
| 4 small eggplants (24oz/680g) | 9 mins |
It typically takes around 4-5 minutes per eggplant to cook in the microwave. To tell when the eggplant is cooked through, look for tender skin and soft, silky flesh.
Can you cook any eggplant in the microwave?
Eggplants can vary greatly in size, from the traditional purple globe to Japanese, plus small varieties such as fairy tale eggplants. You can microwave eggplants of any size, the only variable is cooking time. For smaller eggplants, try lowering the cooking time to 2-3 minutes. For larger eggplants, you may need to add more time. Want to cook all of your varieties of eggplant at once? Chop the eggplant into even-sized pieces and cook them together with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Can you microwave eggplant instead of salting?
Yes, you can microwave your eggplant instead of salting it. Salting eggplant before cooking is a popular trick that works well for traditional cooking methods to draw out the moisture in the eggplant, but the microwave solves that very problem. The microwave targets the moisture that naturally occurs in eggplant, dehydrating it, and concentrating its flavors without adding salt. Use this trick to par-cook eggplant for ratatouille, eggplant parmesan, and more. Salting eggplant is not needed when cooking it in the microwave.
Can I freeze microwaved eggplant?
Absolutely! Cut the eggplant into a medium-size dice, then cook as suggested. Once the eggplant is cooked, allow it to cool then transfer to the 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays and free for up to 1 month. You can freeze the eggplant already seasoned for a quick side dish.
How do I reheat frozen cooked eggplant?
Simply add the frozen pucks of eggplant into Anyday's versatile cookware, and cover them with the vented lid. Reheat for 1-2 minutes per puck until they're heated through. Once reheated, the eggplant will return to its tender, perfectly cooked texture.
